hyhpolitics

[hyhpolitics]

Remembering Uyinene

Observation: It's been a year since 19 year old student Uyinene was brutally murder at the post office. Uyinene’s death sparked national protest against GBV and how South African women and children are not safe.  GBV is still a major issue in South Africa and even worse during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Why: More than 120 000 cases had been reported in the South African National helpline for gender-based violence, within the first 3 weeks of  lockdown. With the crime rate decreasing during lockdown GBV numbers increased a lot however. GBV was a big concern amongst younger people (23%), president Ramaphosa has raised his concerns about GBV however people feel not alot of action is taking place to stop it. Tshegofatso Pule, Amahle Quku, Asithandile “Kwasa” Zozo and Nkosiphile to name a few are the many victims who have been killed in the hands of GBV recently.

- BT

[hyhpolitics]

Washington No Skins

Observation: The washing Redskins have announced that they will be changing their name. After years of pressure from campaigners, in the end it took money for them to make the change as its major sponsors, FedEx, Nike, Pepsi and Bank of America recently threatened to pull funding from the team unless it considered renaming itself. Last week, Amazon, Walmart and Target, Nike and and other retail stores removed team merchandise from their websites. ESPN also said it would stop using the team logo, which depicts a Native American man.

Why: The political landscape is untenable for anyone or any brand to hold fast regarding questionable social justice related iconography, statues and street names are the beginning but these big brands that have utilised or fetishised peoples identities are no longer going to be able to  do so with pressure from, as is always the case, money.

Future: There are numerous teams within the USA that have names related to First Nations peoples, campaigners have been pushing for years for these changes. Brands like the Kansas City Chiefs are likely to be next, and many others will follow. - BR

[hyhpolitics]

Pupils call out Private schools on racism

Observation: Past and current pupils call out private school/ Model C schools on their experience on racism. 

Why: Many were horrified with the recent racial based events that occurred in the USA. the recent death of George Floyd spark the black lives matter movement, brands, and organizations across the world condemn the racial injustice towards black people and people of color in Amerca. Many people took to social media to call out what was happening in America and how they were vehemently against it. Many private schools and mode c school was also called out racial injustice and how they really believe black lives matter. A lot of currents and past pupils of color called out these schools as being hypocrites and that if they really called about black lives they would start by owning about the racial discrimination that occurred at their schools. Many pupils told their experiences of racism and discrimination at their schools. 

Past pupils also started a Facebook and Instagram page called Yousilenceweamplify where pupils could share the experience. Some schools released statements condemning racism and stating they would be taking action through implementing diversity talks in the schools. For many, this was not enough and felt schools have been saying this and its a way to brush their racist behavior under carpet. Current pupils such as the Bishops matrics drew up a list of demands that they wanted the schools to implement to fight and condemn racism at the school.

[hyhpolitics]

SA moves to level 3

Observation: President Cyril Ramphosa announced that South Africa would move to level 3 on the 1st of June. this means that majority of industries will be open, exercise curfew has been lifted and the sale of alcohol has been permitted. 

Why: South Africa has been in lockdown for more than 60 days in order to fight the spread of Covid- 19. South Africa is one of the countries that had the harshed lockdown rules and restriction, the sale of alcohol and tobacco was banned South Arica were ordered to stay at home.  At the beginning of the lockdown, a lot of people praised president Ramaphosa and the government for their proactive actions. Sentiments started to change, a lot of people started feeling the government’s actions were divisive to the economy, and with have major implications. A lot of industries were such as the Tobacco industry were also against some of governments decisions. Even though the whole country will be moving to level 3 there are some districts that will monitored on a bi-weekly basis, if there are no improvements districts can be placed to level 5 or 4. The sale of alcohol will be regulated, alcohol will be sold during certain times and at-home consumption of alcohol will be sold, meaning bars and taverns will still be closed. 

-BT

[hyhpolitics]

Increase of Gender Based violence during lockdown

Observation: During the first week of the lockdown, Police commissioner Bheki Cele reported that crime has decreased significantly because of the lockdown however GBV is still a concern as there have been over 87000 case reported. 

Why: In order to combat the spread Coronavirus, President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered the be a lockdown in South Africa. South Africans were urged to stay at home  and restricted only to the shops for essential resources. The South African Police and Defence were called to monitor the streets and people, to see if they were following the lockdown rules. With heavy deployment of law enforcement there has been a decrease in crimes such as Hijacking and murder. 

Economic and financial problems are big factors that contribute to Gender-Based violence. The Corona virus pandemic has impacted peoples lives drastically and contributed to GBV. The virus has caused damage to an already weak South African economy. Most companies will have retrenchments or salary reductions, therefore a lot people are frustrated and concerned about their livelihoods. The lockdown has seen has people spend more time with loved ones and family members, therefore tensions are bound to occur, especially adding a health crisis into the mix. 

Gender Based violence is huge concern in South Africa making into a crisis. The Covid pandemic and Lockdown has heightened gender based violence cases. Alcohol has always played a role in Gender Based violence incidents, with the laws prohibiting the selling of alcohol during the lockdown government thought it decrease crime, which it has however it has not shown any impact on decreasing GBV.

[hyhpolitics]

Covid-19 Fake News = Jailtime

Observation: The new Disaster Management Act means South Africans could face a prison sentence of six months for spreading fake news about the coronavirus, intentionally infecting others and refusing quarantine. Why: These regulations were introduced to curb the spread of the pandemic. The regulation applies to both the creators of fake Covid-19 news and those who spread the news through social media and other channels. Future: This measure has been attempted in Hungary by their president but it included Journalists, but was quashed as the state has a questionable history of journalistic imprisonment. 

- BR

[hyhpolitics]

Cyril Ramaphosa’s 21- day Lockdown could be a game-changer address.

Observation: President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation for the second pertaining to the Corona Virus. In his second address, Ramaphosa stated that the country will be in a 21-day lockdown, with only essential services operating. 

Over recent months many people have been frustrated with the reactive nature of the president when faced with an emergency or national crisis. Ramaphoria has not really lived up to hype expect with these two addresses has been a change in perception about his leadership.

Why: Leaders and their legacy have truly been defined on what actions they implemented when their country has been faced with a national crisis. The words and compassion they display to their countrymen are just as important as implementation and in actual fact has shaped their legacy. If we think of leaders such as Winston Churchill and George W Bush we think of the speeches they made to their country during a crisis. 

Winston Churchill is viewed as one of the greatest statesmen in the United Kingdom, but he’s speech during World War Two particularly the finest hour speech encourage the British and evidently shaped his legacy.  Contrary to Churchill, George W Bush’s speech during 9/11 really made him even more unpopular and the American citizens question his leadership abilities and his legacy. Thabo Mbeki’s address during the Xenophobic attacks during 2007 not seen as genuine and boosted the reason to dismiss him as leader of the ANC and president of South Africa the following year. 

Future: This is an opportunity for Ramaphosa to prove himself as a leader, is the person who can lead us out of this dark time or even comfort us. This is could be his make or break moment.

- BT

[hyhpolitics]

Joe Biden claims to have been arrested in South Africa

Observation: Joe Biden claims to be arrested in Soweto while trying to visit Nelson Mandela in Robben Island. 

Why: During his presidential campaign, former Vice President Joe Biden told the story of how he was arrested in Soweto on his way to visit political leader Nelson Mandela at Robben Island. Joe Biden was against Apartheid and one of the congressmen who voted for sanctions to be placed against South Africa. Many people are skeptical of Joe Biden’s story because this is the first time he ever mentioned that he got arrested in South Africa, he never mentioned this incident in his memoir or his 2007 trip to South Africa. 

During the late1970s, a lot of media attention was on South African. The Soweto Uprising and the assassination of Steve Biko were all over the international news, therefore if a US congressman like Joe Biden were to be arrested in South Africa that would have made international headlines.  The distance between Robben Island and Soweto is 1400km which also makes the recent claims by former vice president skeptical. 

-BT

[hyhpolitics]

GBV used as a tool to settle scores

Observation:  ANC MP Boy Mamabolo accused EFF Leader Julius Malema of abusing his wife. Malema denied the allegations and accused President Cyril Ramaposa of abusing his former wife. 

Why: Anc MP Boy Mamabolo had risen on a point of order while EFF leader Julius Malema delivered his response to President Cyril Ramapsa’s SONA. Mamabolo accused Malema of abusing his wife, Malema who never shy from acting petty denied all allegations and in fact accused Cyril Ramaphosa. 

We all aware that South Africa has a serious issue when it comes to Gender-based violence. We look to our leaders to take the matter seriously. It comes with great concern when gender-based violence is used to settle scores. Besides whether the allegations are true or not, a serious conversation such as gender-based violence should not be taken as a matter to settle a score and it shows how the government and parliament view gender-based violence.

-BT

[hyhpolitics]

SONA 2020 Summary

The good:

A coherent plan for Eskom: Fair enough, Ramaphosa loves a good “promise”. He just struggles to see a lot of them through. But his plan to increase the national grid’s dependence on Independent Power Producers – and six other interventions – is a small step forward in the bid to banish load shedding

Transparency and acocuntability: Ramaphosa told Parliament that he would be “signing performance agreements with all Ministers” before the end of this month. If you ain’t pulling your weight, you will be out the gate.

Investing in rail: The Central Line in the Western Cape and the Mabopane Line in Pretoria will have R1.6 billion spent on them. New stations, better trains and upgraded rail-tracks have all been earmarked.

Cutting business red tape: This is a proper good one, we’ll hand it to Cyril: He says that applications for water licenses for businesses will be reduced to a 90 day window before being processed – some can take up to five years as it stands. He also said at SONA 2020 that Bizportal will now process applications to start companies “within a day”, rather than the current 30-day limit.

Stronger toursim security: To support the growth of the tourism industry, SAPS will increase visibility at identified tourist attraction sites. Tourism Safety Monitors will establish a reserve police capacity to focus on the policing of popular visitor areas.

The bad:

State capture: Ramaphosa said that he and his government have “acted decisively against state capture and fought back against corruption” – a pill that’s hard to swallow, considering no-one implicated at the Zondo Commission has been put behind bars at the time of SONA 2020, despite mounting piles of evidence.

The budget speech will be tough: We can expect low levels of growth this year, which means that we are not generating enough revenue to meet our expenses. Debt is heading towards “unsustainable levels”, and Cyril told SONA 2020 that this would be addressed by Tito Mboweni’s budget speech. 

Uh-oh, another state bank is coming: The ANC are also proceeding with the establishment of a state bank as part of their efforts to extend access to financial services to all South Africans. This is controversial and unpopular even with their own party members.

Youth Employment figures: Of the 1.2 million young people who enter the labour market each year, approximately two-thirds remain outside of employment, education or training before SONA 2020.

Land expropriation: This was very light on detail. All we learned was that the government have released 44 000 hectares of state land for the settlement of land restitution claims, and will this year release round 700 000 hectares of state land for agricultural production. We’re still on the dark regarding some major issues.

One-sided NHI view: Cyril said there was “enthusiastic support from South Africans” during public hearings on the National Health Insurance, and claimed he is putting in place mechanisms for its implementation following conclusion of the Parliamentary process. However, NHI is highly divisive amongst SA citizens.

TD

[hyhpolitics]

Minister of Dagga

Observation: South Africas Minister of Finance brought twitter to its knees with the following tweet. In a series of follow up tweets, the minister stated that the land is suitable and that he in his capacity as a government minister would love it legalised as he could then tax it. 

Why: With legalisation for home use passed two years ago, South African citizens are permitted to grow marijuana for home use, but its a shock to see a politician, especially one as high up and respected as Tito Mboweni do this. Its a sign of things to come, as more and more people become vocal.  

Future: Inevitable legalisation. Taxation. Corruption

- BR

[hyhpolitics]

Herman Mashaba Confirms Launch Of New Party

Observation: Herman Mashaba is launching a new political party, which could cause exciting new dynamics that create a new order in SA, or just fizzle out like many others who have attempted something similar.  

“What I can confirm right now is that a new political formation will be announced by June at the latest. A political party will definitely be formed and we are definitely going to participate in the 2021 local government elections,” he said.According to Mashaba, what will “set this party apart from the rest” is that he is looking at forming a “people-driven political party” that will be “free from the constraints of political ideology and political self-interest”.

He said he would achieve this through using inputs received from ordinary South Africans during his People’s Dialogue, a platform he created “for ordinary South Africans to make their voices heard in an effort to define a shared vision for the future”.

Mashaba has been running The People’s Dialogue since December 6, and he calls the movement the building blocks of his party.

“This party is a party that is going to be driven by civil society.

“Any South African wanting to join the party will be screened, more so those who are already politicians.

“I can assure you that for existing politicians to form part of the party, they will be vetted and the vetting system will be tight to make sure that we do not allow people who are going to compromise us.”

“They [politicians who want to jump ship and join his party] will have to pass through the eye of the needle. We are not going to accept people who are going to be paid to serve their own interests instead of those of society,” Mashaba told City Press.

 - JS

[hyhpolitics]

Chance buys Media Outlet

Observation: Chicago born musician and activist, Chance The Rapper buys news website Chacagoist.com 

Why: Chance says the reason behind this purchase is to tackle the unfairness that is pushed by media outlets on reporting on socio-economic issues, in his words he states “I got a hit-list so long I don’t know how to finish, I bought the Chicagoist just to run you racist b—-s out of business.”

Future: This could inspire other creatives or celebrities on where to put their money and how that would affect the world they would help build.

-TM

[hyhpolitics]

#365daysofactivism

Observation: Artworks using old movies have been used to create evocative artworks to expose GBV, these artworks were shown in Cape Town at various locations.

- BR

[hyhpolitics]

Former President in Cuban Hospital

Observation: Its been revealed that former President Jacob Zuma is in a Cuban hospital. With South African commentators less than sympathetic to his cause. Why: Dictators are known to escape from their countries before legal ramifications catch up with them, and this has been the exact reaction from South Africans furious that he seems to be prepping to escape “justice”.

- BR

[hyhpolitics]

Xi Xinping and China Exposed

Observation: Re-education camps in China have been “known” about for some time, but in a recent whistleblowing scandal, 403 official internal documents from the notoriously secretive Chinese government have been leaked, showing the full extent of these camps. Uyghur Muslims in particular, along with Kazakhs and other minority groups have been rounded up and kept in camps until the “virus” of “wrong thinking” has been eradicated “from their brains”. President Xi personally had 90 pages of internal speeches made public, in which he called for an all-out “struggle against terrorism, infiltration and separatism” using the “organs of dictatorship,” and showing “absolutely no mercy.” Why: The Chinese Government consider these people enemies of the state, and of the Communist party, and are to be “fixed”. The belief is that anyone showing signs of “Muslim-ness” are potential terrorists and need to be fixed or eliminated.  Article Future: The Future is likely to show more of this, freedom and liberty are becoming increasingly under threat, with slave islands in international waters and governments with immense power acting without fear of reprisal. The future will show as money controls the world so the freedoms of the citizens of the planet, especially those who challenge those leaders, will be under threat. - BR

[hyhpolitics]

No Drink & Driving

Observation: The South African Department of Transport and Road Traffic Management Corporation are reviewing the laws on drunk driving. The aim is to drop the legal blood-alcohol level to 0%

Why: The South African Police services have received 82,912 cases of drunk driving from 2010 - 2019 and they aim at controlling the rate and ultimately reduce it. SAB is also playing its part in the awareness of alcohol abuse in their adverts.

Future: Festive season is on the way and I see the police services department being very strict on the matter and later reducing the alcohol influenced accident cases.

- TM